Thickset artificial nail tip device and method

ABSTRACT

A thickset artificial nail tip device has two regions, including a well region that may be affixed to and blend in with a portion of a natural nail bed of a wearer, and a thicker body region that may extend beyond the natural nail bed of a wearer. The thicker body region may include a single color or multicolor design and may help to eliminate a need for applying acrylic materials on top of the artificial nail tip. In one embodiment, the well region is absent, so that the thickset artificial nail tip device may be used on a long natural nail bed. The thickset artificial nail tip device may eliminate the need for applying acrylic materials on top of an artificial nail tip and reduce the amount of filing time required after application of an artificial nail tip, thereby making the application of an artificial nail tip to a natural nail bed fast and easy.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to artificial nail products and, more particularly, to a thickset artificial nail tip device that eliminates the need for applying acrylic materials on top of an artificial nail tip and that reduces the amount of filing time required after application of an artificial nail tip, thereby making the application of an artificial nail tip to a natural fingernail fast and easy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Artificial nails have been used for several decades as a way to cosmetically enhance the appearance of a person's natural fingernails. The French manicure look is popular with wearers of artificial nails. Typically, a French manicure look is achieved with artificial nails by the adherence of white plastic tips to the wearer's natural nail beds. The white plastic tips are sized according to the dimensions of the wearer's natural nails. After cutting down the white plastic tips to a preferred length and filing them to a desired shape, such as square, oval, or round, a natural color acrylic material is then overlaid onto the entire nail, including the natural nail and the white plastic tip. Once the acrylic material has dried and hardened, the surface of the nail can then be filed and buffed to a smooth finish. Another popular manicure look is known as the “pink and white” nail. The pink and white nail look also employs white plastic tips, which are sized according to the dimensions of the wearer's natural nails. After cutting down the white plastic tips to a preferred length and filing them to a desired shape, such as square, oval, or round, two acrylic colors—white and pink—are then overlaid onto the nail. The white acrylic color is overlaid on the white plastic tip, while the pink acrylic color is applied to the natural nail bed. Once the acrylic material has dried and hardened, the surface of the nail can then be filed and buffed to a smooth finish. Yet another popular manicure look incorporates multi-colored decorative acrylic designs. For this look, different acrylic colors are applied to the artificial nail, as desired by the wearer. Still other popular manicure looks are achieved by different methods, such as by airbrushing or hand painting designs on the artificial nails.

The aforementioned manicure looks and methods used to achieve them are often time consuming and expensive, both for manicurists and their customers. For example, application of the acrylic material to the natural and artificial fingernail takes time. In addition, a certain level of skill is required in order to control the flow of the wet acrylic material, to maintain the thickness of the acrylic layer, and to create multi-colored designs.

A need therefore exists for a device and method that reduces the amount of time and skill involved in achieving various manicure looks using artificial nails.

The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a thickset artificial nail tip device is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: a pigmented body having a proximal edge and a distal edge, wherein the body has a thickness that is substantially thicker than a thickness of a natural fingernail of a wearer, and the proximal edge has a substantially concave curvature adapted to correspond to a curvature of a natural fingernail of a wearer; and a well region positioned adjacent to the proximal edge and adapted to be adhered to a natural fingernail of a wearer, wherein the well region has a thickness that is substantially thinner than the thickness of the body.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a thickset artificial nail tip device is disclosed. The device comprises, in combination: a pigmented body having a proximal edge and a distal edge, wherein the body has a thickness that is substantially thicker than a thickness of a natural fingernail of a wearer, die body has a length that is substantially greater than a length of a natural fingernail of a wearer, the proximal edge is adapted to be adhered to a natural fingernail of a wearer, and the proximal edge has a substantially concave curvature adapted to correspond to a curvature of a natural fingernail of a wearer.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for applying an artificial nail tip to a natural nail bed is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a thickset artificial nail tip device comprising, in combination: a pigmented body having a proximal edge and a distal edge, wherein the body has a thickness that is substantially thicker than a thickness of a natural fingernail of a wearer, and the proximal edge has a substantially concave curvature adapted to correspond to a curvature of a natural fingernail of a wearer; and a well region positioned adjacent to the proximal edge and adapted to be adhered to a natural fingernail of a wearer, wherein the well region has a thickness that is substantially thinner than the thickness of the body; affixing the thickset artificial nail tip device to a natural fingernail of a wearer, such that a portion of the wearer's natural fingernail is exposed; trimming the thickset artificial nail tip device to a desired length; applying nail color to the wearer's natural fingernail and the well region; allowing the nail color to dry and harden; and filing the proximal edge of the thickset artificial nail tip device such that the nail color and proximal edge form a smooth surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thickset artificial nail tip device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 1 in position on a fingernail of a wearer, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 2, illustrating an application of acrylic material to a fingernail of a wearer and a portion of the thickset artificial nail tip device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 3, illustrating the filing of acrylic material, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a thickset artificial nail tip device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 5 in position on a fingernail of a wearer, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 6, illustrating an application of acrylic material to a fingernail of a wearer, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 7. illustrating the filing of acrylic material, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side, cross-sectional view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 9 in position on a fingernail of a wearer, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side, cross-sectional view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 11, illustrating an application of acrylic material to a fingernail of a wearer and a portion of the thickset artificial nail tip device, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 14 is a side, cross-sectional view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side, cross-sectional view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 13 in position on a fingernail of a wearer, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side, cross-sectional view of the thickset artificial nail tip device of FIG. 15, illustrating an application of acrylic material to a fingernail of a wearer, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIGS. 1-4 and 9-12, an embodiment of a thickset artificial nail tip device 1 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 includes two regions: a body 2 and a well region 3. (The well region 3 is shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 9-11.)

The body 2 is preferably relatively thick and substantially elongated. In this regard, in this embodiment, the thickness of the body 2 is preferably greater than the thickness of a natural fingernail 4, and the length of the body 2 is preferably greater than the length of the wearer's natural fingernail 4, as best demonstrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. Although in this embodiment the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 extends substantially beyond the wearer's natural fingernail 4, the dimensions of the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 may be shortened or lengthened, as desired, in order to suit the needs or preferences of individual wearers. The body 2 includes a proximal edge 2 a and a distal edge 2 b. Preferably, the body 2 is shaped to correspond to the shape and curvature of a natural fingernail 4 of a wearer of the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 as best seen in FIG. 2. Thus, in this embodiment, the proximal edge 2 a has a curvature that follows the curvature of a free edge 4 a (as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12) of a wearer's natural fingernail 4. However, it may be desired to employ other shapes for the proximal edge 2 a of the thickset artificial nail tip device 1, depending on the preferences of the wearer. For example, a wearer may desire that the proximal edge 2 a be scalloped, jagged, zigzagged, and the like, or formed into a variety of other shapes.

In this embodiment, the body 2 is colored. The body 2 may be of a color, such as white, that is consistent with a French manicure or the “pink and white” nail style, or may be of some other desired color or colors. In this way, it should not be necessary to apply a color coat of acrylic material to the thickset artificial nail tip device 1. This helps to reduce the amount of time necessary for creating a French manicure, “pink and white” nail style or other desired look with artificial nails.

The well region 3 is preferably relatively thin and transparent. In this way, the well region 3 may be positioned on a natural fingernail 4 of a wearer of the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 such that a nail bed of the wearer's natural fingernail 4 appears deeper. Thus, this embodiment is especially usefull for wearers having relatively shallow natural nail beds. Transparency of the well region 3 allows the well region 3 to blend in with the wearer's natural fingernail 4, such that the well region 3 becomes invisible after application of nail color 6 to the wearer's natural fingernail 4, as shown in FIG. 3, and as further discussed below.

Preferably, the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 is comprised of a relatively strong material that is resistant to cracking, chipping, or breaking, such as acrylic, plastic, or some other desired material. However, the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 should also be amenable to filing (such as with an emory board), cutting (such as with manicure scissors or clippers), and the like, in order that it may be shaped according to the wearer's preferences. For example, depending on the preferences of the wearer, the distal edge 2 b of the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 may be squared, rounded, or oval shaped.

FIGS. 2-4 and 11-12 demonstrate use of the thickset artificial nail tip device 1. The thickset artificial nail tip device 1 may be adhered to the wearer's natural fingernail 4 with an adhesive, glue, or the like that is suitable for use with artificial nails, using standard manicurist protocol. Prior to applying the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 to a wearer's natural fingernail 4, it is preferred that the surface of the natural fingernail 4 be roughened with a file or the like. Roughening of the surface of the natural fingernail 4 helps to improve the adhesion of the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 to the wearer's natural fingernail 4. The thickset artificial nail device 1 may be positioned on the wearer's natural fingernail 4 such that the well region 3 covers a tip of the wearer's natural fingernail 4. In this way, a wearer with relatively shallow nail beds may achieve a look in which her nail beds appear deeper than they actually are.

Following application of the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 to the wearer's natural fingernail 4, nail color 6 may be applied to the natural fingernail 4 with a brush 5, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, or by some other desired method. In a preferred embodiment, the nail color 6 corresponds to colors used for French manicures, for a “pink and white” nail style, or some other desired color or colors. The nail color 6 may consist of nail lacquer, acrylic material, UV gel, or some other material suitable for application to natural nails. The nail color 6 should be applied from the cuticle of the wearer's natural fingernail 4 up to the proximal edge 2 a of the thickset artificial nail tip device 1, such that the nail color 6 completely covers the well region 3. In a preferred embodiment, after application to the wearer's natural fingernail 4, the nail color 6 has a thickness that is slightly thicker than the thickset artificial nail tip device 1. After the nail color 6 is applied, the well region 3 should not be visible. The relative thickness of the body 2 compared to the relative thinness of the well region 3 helps to prevent ninoffof nail color 6 that is applied to the wearer's natural fingernail 4. This helps to create a neat appearance in the area where the nail color 6 and thickset artificial nail tip device 1 meet, which should reduce or avoid altogether a need to clean this area after the nail color 6 is applied. After the nail color 6 is applied, it should be allowed to dry and harden.

Once the nail color 6 has dried and hardened, the surface of the nail color 6 maybe smoothed with a file 7, as shown in FIG. 4 so that the entire area including the wearer's natural fingernail 4 and the thickset artificial nail tip device 1 has a smooth and even finish. After use of the file 7, it may be desired to complete the look by applying a clear top coat or shiny UV gel top coat (not shown) over the entire nail surface including the wearer's natural fingernail 4 and the thickset artificial nail tip device 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8 and 13-16, another embodiment of a thickset artificial nail tip device 10 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 comprises a body 12.

As with the thickset artificial nail tip device 1, the body 12 of the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 is preferably relatively thick and substantially elongated. In this regard, in this embodiment, the thickness of the body 12 is preferably greater than the thickness of a natural fingernail 14, and the length of the body 12 is greater than the length of the wearer's natural fingernail 14, as best demonstrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. Although in this embodiment the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 extends substantially beyond the wearer's natural fingernail 14, the dimensions of the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 may be shortened or lengthened, as desired, in order to suit the needs or preferences of individual wearers. The body 12 includes a proximal edge 12 a and a distal edge 12 b. Preferably, the body 12 is shaped to correspond to the shape and curvature of a natural fingernail 14 of a wearer of the thickset artificial nail tip device 10, as best seen in FIG. 6. Thus, in this embodiment, the proximal edge 12 a has a curvature that follows the curvature of a free edge 14 a (as seen in FIGS. 15 and 16) of a wearer's natural fingernail 14. However, it may be desired to employ other shapes for the proximal edge 12 a of the thickset artificial nail tip device 10, depending on the preferences of the wearer. For example, a wearer may desire that the proximal edge 12 a be scalloped, jagged, zigzagged, and the like, or formed into a variety of other shapes.

In this embodiment, the body 12 is colored. The body 12 maybe of a color, such as white, that is consistent with a French manicure or the “pink and white” nail style, or may be of some other desired color or colors. In this way, it should not be necessary to apply a color coat of acrylic material to the thickset artificial nail tip device 10. This helps to reduce the amount of time necessary for creating a French manicure, “pink and white” nail style, or other desired look with artificial nails.

Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 9-12, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8 and 13-16 lacks a well region. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8 and 13-16 may be particularly suitable for individuals having relatively deep natural nail beds, and who may not need to artificially deepen their nail beds.

As with the thickset artificial nail tip device 1, preferably, the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 is comprised of a relatively strong material that is resistant to cracking, chipping, or breaking, such as acrylic, plastic, or some other desired material. However, the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 should also be amenable to filing (such as with an emory board), cutting (such as with manicure scissors or clippers), and the like, in order that it may be shaped according to the wearer's preferences. For example, depending on the preferences of the wearer, the distal edge 12 b of the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 may be squared, rounded, or oval shaped.

FIGS. 6-8 and 15-16 demonstrate use of the thickset artificial nail tip device 10. The thickset artificial nail tip device 10 may be adhered to the wearer's natural fingernail 14 with an adhesive, glue, or the like that is suitable for use with artificial nails, using standard manicurist protocol. Prior to applying the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 to a wearer's natural fingernail 14, it is preferred that the surface of the natural fingernail 14 be roughened with a file or the like. Roughening of the surface of the natural fingernail 14 helps to improve the adhesion of the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 to the wearer's natural fingernail 14. The thickset artificial nail device 10 may be positioned on the tip of the wearer's natural fingernail 14.

Following application of the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 to the wearer's natural fingernail 14, nail color 16 may be applied to the natural fingernail 14 with a brush 15, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 16, or by some other desired method. In a preferred embodiment, the nail color 16 corresponds to colors used for French manicures, for a “pink and white” nail style, or some other desired color or colors. The nail color 16 may consist of nail lacquer, acrylic material, UV gel, or some other material suitable for application to natural nails. The nail color 16 should be applied from the cuticle of the wearer's natural fingernail 14 up to proximal edge 12 a of the thickset artificial nail tip device 10. In a preferred embodiment, after application to the wearer's natural fingernail 4, the nail color 16 has a thickness that is slightly thicker than the thickset artificial nail tip device 10. The relative thickness of the body 12 compared to the relative thinness of the wearer's natural fingernail 14 helps to prevent runoff of nail color 16 that is applied to the wearer's natural fingernail 14. This helps to create a neat appearance in the area where the nail color 16 and thickset artificial nail tip device 10 meet, which should reduce or avoid altogether a need to clean this area after the nail color 16 is applied. After the nail color 16 is applied, it should be allowed to dry and harden.

Once the nail color 16 has dried and hardened, the surface of the nail color 16 may be smoothed with a file 17, as shown in FIG. 8, so that the entire area including the wearer's natural fingernail 14 and the thickset artificial nail tip device 10 has a smooth and even finish. After use of the file 17, it may be desired to complete the look by applying a clear top coat or shiny UV gel top coat (not shown) over the entire nail surface including the wearer's natural fingernail 14 and the thickset artificial nail tip device 10.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A thickset artificial nail tip device comprising, in combination: a pigmented body having a proximal edge and a distal edge, wherein: the body has a thickness that is substantially thicker than a thickness of a natural fingernail of a wearer, and the proximal edge has a substantially concave curvature adapted to correspond to a curvature of a natural fingernail of a wearer; and a well region positioned adjacent to the proximal edge and adapted to be adhered to a natural fingernail of a wearer, wherein: the well region has a thickness that is substantially thinner than the thickness of the body.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the pigment of the body is white.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the pigment of the body is multi-colored.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the well region is transparent.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the proximal edge is one of scalloped, jagged, and zigzagged.
 6. The device of claim 1 comprised of one of plastic or acrylic.
 7. A thickset artificial nail tip device comprising, in combination: a pigmented body having a proximal edge and a distal edge, wherein: the body has a thickness that is substantially thicker than a thickness of a natural fingernail of a wearer, the body has a length that is substantially greater than a length of a natural fingernail of a wearer, the proximal edge is adapted to be adhered to a natural fingernail of a wearer, and the proximal edge has a substantially concave curvature adapted to correspond to a curvature of a natural fingernail of a wearer.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein the pigment of the body is white.
 9. The device of claim 7 wherein the pigment of the body is multi-colored.
 10. The device of claim 7 wherein the proximal edge is scalloped, jagged, or zigzagged.
 11. The device of claim 7 comprised of one of plastic or acrylic.
 12. A method for applying an artificial nail tip to a natural nail bed, comprising the steps of: providing a thickset artificial nail tip device comprising, in combination: a pigmented body having a proximal edge and a distal edge, wherein: the body has a thickness that is substantially thicker than a thickness of a natural fingernail of a wearer,and the proximal edge has a substantially concave curvature adapted to correspond to a curvature of a natural fingernail of a wearer; and a well region positioned adjacent to the proximal edge and adapted to be adhered to a natural fingernail of a wearer, wherein: the well region has a thickness that is substantially thinner than the thickness of the body, affixing the thickset artificial nail tip device to a natural fingernail of a wearer, such that a portion of the wearer's natural fingernail is exposed; trimming the thickset artificial nail tip device to a desired length; applying nail color to the wearer's natural fingernail and the well region; allowing the nail color to dry and harden; and filing the proximal edge of the thickset artificial nail tip device such that the nail color and proximal edge form a smooth surface.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of applying a clear top coat over the nail color and thickset artificial nail tip device.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein the nail color is one of a nail lacquer, acrylic material, or UV gel.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein the well region is absent.
 16. The method of claim 12 wherein the pigment of the body is white.
 17. The method of claim 12 wherein the pigment of the body is multicolored.
 18. The method of claim 12 wherein the well region is transparent.
 19. The method of claim 12 wherein the proximal edge is one of scalloped, jagged, and zigzagged.
 20. The method of claim 12 wherein the thickset artificial nail device is comprised of one of plastic or acrylic. 